Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #263: Temporal changes in near-shore arctic benthic marine fish community and habitat during the past 30 years.  (Near shore fish community changes over time)

Outline
Research on benthic marine arctic fishes was conducted by Dr. John M. Green, Memorial University of Newfoundland, during the 1970’s, 80’s, and early 1990’s. His research was conducted primarily at two locations: Nuvuk Island, northern Hudson’s Bay and near Resolute, Cornwallis Island. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected, some of which are unpublished, including identification of important fish habitats, fish distribution, biodiversity of fish species, fish density, feeding ecology, reproduction, growth, species interactions, and measures of inter-annual variation in recruitment. Research also addressed the importance of benthic marine fish to sea birds, particularly black guillemots, which are an important resource for local residents. Data describing arctic fishes spanning a 30 year time period is rare and extremely valuable in the detection of temporal changes in ecological conditions. We propose to build upon this research to explore if changes are occurring to the community structure of near shore benthic marine fishes. Marine fish species of low direct economic or cultural importance make ideal research candidates to detect changes in community structure. Objectives of this study are; 1) to identify whether changes are occurring in arctic near-shore benthic fish communities based on data spanning > 30 years, 2) identify and describe important near shore fish habitat, 3) to conduct laboratory analyses of arctic fish species including determination of stomach contents, age structure of populations, fecundity, population genetics and otolith microchemistry, 4) Evaluate study areas as they pertain to criteria outlined in the Oceans Act for the establishment of Marine Protected Areas. Laboratory analyses will include previous fish collections as well as specimens from future field work.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
A time series of scientific data is required to identify and describe ecological change. We are proposing to examine existing data as well as new data, to identify changes in near shore fish community. Existing data sets describing arctic systems are particularly useful to understand ecological change in the arctic. Information from earlier work, on near-shore fish communities and fish bird interactions, will be compared with data collected from the proposed research, thus advancing our understanding of arctic natural history and as well as ecosystem change.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Currently the proposed project is comprised of a small contingent of Canadian Researchers.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Two primary locations are; Nuvuk Island, northern Hudson’s Bay and, near Resolute, Cornwallis Island.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/2006 – 07/2006      07/2007 – 07/2007      07/2008 – 07/2008
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Transport of personal and equipment to the study sites will require some logistic support. Fixed-wing transport aircraft is required to access to sampling sites. A small boat will be required to assist field work. These resources can potentially be shared with other projects. Existing field accommodations may be utilized if available.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No physical legacy will be left.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
National agency
Commercial operator
Own support
Other sources of support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?

The proposed project is autonomous in the way that ecological change will be identified and described. However it will utilize both existing and new information to address this issue. Existing data collected as part of a previous project, will be utilized to address ecological changes in near-shore arctic fish communities.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be self managed and free standing. The proposed work will be conducted by a small research team (3-5 people) some of which have extensive experience working in the arctic. Logistical requirements, after the required equipment is on site is very limited. The relatively short field component allows for some flexibility in planning and management.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Local personnel will be utilised wherever possible, and initial communications will be conducted through the process of obtaining sampling permission. Results will be communicated through local public consultation with stakeholders, interest groups, schools, aboriginal groups, and government.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals will be the primary means of disseminating results. In addition to published results, copies of trip reports, and general overviews will be made available to any interested parties within a short time frame after the research is conducted. Copies of data will be maintained by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and collaborating researchers at Memorial University.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
At present, the necessary personnel and equipment can be made available through in-kind support from Memorial University and DFO Newfoundland region. Additional funding/support is sought.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Researcher Cory Morris
DFO
P.O. Box 5667,
St. John’s, Newfoundland
A1C 5X1
Canada

Tel: 709 772-6676
Mobile:
Fax: 709 772-5315
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information